Flexible bag dispensing container with vents

ABSTRACT

A flexible bag dispenser includes a port configured to transfer a liquid material, a seal that seals the flexible bag dispenser so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal, and at least one vent configured to permit gases entrapped in an interior space of the flexible bag dispenser to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispenser. An inner surface defining the vent may be tapered. An inner edge of the seal may be tapered toward the first end of the flexible bag dispensing container. The vent may be defined by a malleable tube disposed in the seal or by a bleeder valve. A method of forming a flexible bag dispenser according to one example includes sealing a flexible bag of the flexible bag dispenser and forming at least one vent in the seal.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Stage Application of International Patent App. No. PCT/US2021/058024, filed Nov. 4, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 63/110,110, filed Nov. 5, 2020, the entire disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to flexible bag dispensing containers, in particular, to flexible bag dispensing containers configured to store and discharge a liquid material therefrom.

BACKGROUND

In the field of flexible cartridges, the flexible cartridges can be collapsed, filled, and closed for storage and/or transportation. When the flexible cartridge is collapsed, gases can become entrapped therein. The entrapped gases may, in some circumstances, react negatively or undesirably with a product disposed in the flexible cartridge. In addition, the gases may be compressible such that when a product disposed in the flexible cartridge is dispensed under pressure, the gases compress, and when pressure is released, dispensing of the product may continue as the gases decompress. Therefore, entrapment of gases may be undesirable in certain applications. For products that are particularly sensitive to entrapped gases, a vacuum may be utilized, though this may add unnecessary complexities.

Therefore, there is a need for flexible bag dispensing containers having a vent to facilitate the discharging of entrapped gases.

SUMMARY

In an example, a flexible bag dispensing container is provided. The flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes at least one vent. The at least one vent is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. An inner surface that defines the at least one vent is tapered. The inner surface that defines the at least one vent is tapered as the at least one vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.

In another example of a flexible bag dispensing container, the flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The flexible bag dispensing container further comprises a malleable tube. The malleable tube is disposed in the seal. The malleable tube defines at least one vent. The at least one vent defined by the malleable tube is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.

In a further example of a flexible bag dispensing container, the flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The flexible bag dispensing container further comprises a bleeder valve. The bleeder valve defines at least one vent. The at least one vent defined by the bleeder valve is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.

In yet another example of a flexible bag dispensing container, the flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The seal has an inner edge at the interior space. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes at least one vent. The at least one vent is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. At least a portion of the inner edge of the seal is tapered. The portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end. The portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end as the portion extend away from the at least one vent.

Another example is a method of forming a flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container has a first end. The first end defines a port. The flexible bag dispensing container also has a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further has a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The interior space is configured to hold a liquid material therein. The method includes sealing the second end of the flexible bag dispensing container. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The method further includes forming at least one vent. The at least one vent is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The forming step includes at least one of the following substeps: (a) forming the at least one vent such that an inner surface that defines the at least one vent is tapered as the at least one vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; (b) disposing a malleable tube in the seal such that the malleable tube defines the at least one vent; (c) forming the at least one vent in the form of a bleeder valve; (d) forming the at least one vent as first and second vents, the first vent defining a first centerline as the first vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container and the second vent defining a second centerline as the second vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, the first and second centerlines being substantially parallel to one another; or (e) forming the seal such that at least a portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end as the portion extends away from the at least one vent.

In a further example of a flexible bag dispensing container, the flexible bag dispensing container includes a first end. The first end defines a port. The port is configured to transfer a liquid material. The port is configured to transfer the liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container also includes a second end. The second end is spaced apart from the first end. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a flexible wall. The flexible wall extends between the first end and the second end. The flexible wall defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes a seal. The seal is defined at the second end. The seal seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal. The flexible bag dispensing container further includes first and second vents. Each of the first and second vents are configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The first vent defines a first centerline as the first vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The second vent defines a second centerline as the second vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. The first and second centerlines are substantially parallel to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the illustrative examples may be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is understood that potential examples of the disclosed systems and methods are not limited to those depicted.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example;

FIG. 1B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 1A in a collapsed configuration (i.e., after liquid material and/or entrapped gases have been discharged therefrom);

FIG. 3A shows a front view of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with three tapered vents;

FIG. 3B shows a front cross-sectional view of a second end of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A shows a front view of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with a pair of tapered vents;

FIG. 4B shows a front cross-sectional view of a second end of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A shows a front view of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with one tapered vent and a radial inner edge;

FIG. 5B shows a front cross-sectional view of a second end of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A shows a front view of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with one tapered vent and a tapered or stepped inner edge;

FIG. 6B shows a front cross-sectional view of a second end of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A shows a front view of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with an extension;

FIG. 7B shows a front cross-sectional view of a second end of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A shows a front cross-sectional view of a second end of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with three straight vents, with two of the straight vents positioned at the corners of the seal;

FIG. 8B shows a front cross-sectional view of a second end of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with one straight vent and two tapered vents, with the tapered vents positioned at the corners of the seal;

FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with two malleable tubes each defining a vent;

FIG. 9B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a second end of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example with a bleeder valve defining a vent;

FIG. 10B shows a perspective cross-sectional view of a second end of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 10C shows a shows a perspective view of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 10A including a sleeve;

FIG. 11A shows a perspective view of a second end of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example;

FIG. 11B shows a front cross-sectional view of the second end of the flexible bag dispensing container of FIG. 11A; and

FIG. 12 shows a front cross-sectional view of a first end of a flexible bag dispensing container according to one example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples described in the detailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting and are for explanatory purposes. Other examples may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, each of which are explicitly contemplated and form a part of this disclosure.

While conventional flexible bag dispensing containers have been adequate for their intended purpose, there is a need for flexible bag dispensing containers having a vent to facilitate the discharging of entrapped gases. The flexible bag dispensing containers described herein may generally be configured to contain a liquid material, to be sealed so as to prevent the liquid material from being discharged (e.g., through a seal formed in the flexible bag dispensing container), and to discharge entrapped gases from the flexible bag dispensing container (e.g., via a vent formed in the flexible bag dispensing container).

The flexible bag dispensing containers of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of applications as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, it is contemplated that the foregoing may be used to contain a liquid material, such as an adhesive or an epoxy. In examples, the flexible bag dispensing containers may be configured to contain and dispense the liquid material, such as when used in conjunction with a dispensing system (e.g., a cartridge system).

Described herein are flexible bag dispensing containers configured to discharge entrapped gases therefrom. In examples described herein, gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container may be discharged therefrom (e.g., via a port and/or a vent formed in the flexible bag dispensing container) as the flexible bag dispensing container is at least partially filled with the liquid material and/or after the flexible bag dispensing container is at least partially filled with the liquid material. For example, it may be desirable in certain applications to discharge gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container (e.g., via a port and/or a vent of the flexible bag dispensing container) so as to at least partially collapse the flexible bag dispensing container, such as for storage and/or transportation. Alternatively to or in addition to the foregoing, in examples described herein, gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container may be discharged before and/or after the flexible bag dispensing container receives a liquid material. Discharging the entrapped gases during filling or prior to use of the flexible bag dispensing container can limit, or prevent altogether, situations in which the liquid material disposed in the flexible bag dispensing container could react negatively or undesirably with entrapped gases. Further, discharging the entrapped gases during filling or prior to use of the flexible bag dispensing container can limit, or prevent altogether, situations in which entrapped gases within the flexible bag dispensing container can be compressed during filling of the flexible bag dispensing container. These compressed gases can then expand during a dispense operation of the flexible bag dispensing container (e.g., as the liquid material is dispensed from the flexible bag dispensing container) such that the expanding gases cause the liquid material to continue to dispense after the dispense operation is complete.

Referring first to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, an example flexible bag dispensing container 100 is shown. As depicted, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may include a flexible wall 130. The flexible wall 130 may generally define an interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The interior space 120 is configured to hold or otherwise contain a liquid material therein. In certain applications, the interior space 120 may be filled with the liquid material such that the interior space 120 holds or otherwise contains the liquid material therein. In examples, the flexible wall 130 may be formed from a film, such as a multi-layer film. The flexible wall 130 may generally be made of any material suitable for containing the liquid material in the interior space 120 defined thereby. By way of non-limiting example, the flexible wall 130 may be made from monolayer film, coextruded film, laminated film, or combinations thereof. By way of further non-limiting example, the flexible wall 130 may be made of a coextruded film made of the following layers: linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE); Nylon-ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)-Nylon-LLDPE. In certain examples, the flexible wall 130 may include a film (e.g., a coextruded film) laminated to ethylene acrylic acid copolymer (EAA), foil, an adhesive, medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), or combinations thereof. In examples, the flexible wall 130 may be made from a single or multi-layer material. In examples, the flexible wall 103 may be formed from a high-strength material. The flexible wall 130 may, in certain examples, provide barrier properties against oxygen and/or moisture permeation to preserve shelf life stability. The flexible wall 130 may be inert to the liquid material disposed in the interior space 120. As may be seen with continued reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the flexible wall 130 may extend between a first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 and a second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 that is spaced from the first end 106. In examples, the flexible wall 130 may define the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100.

The first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may define a port 110. The port 110 may generally be configured to transfer the liquid material between the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 and an exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The port 110 may, in certain examples, be configured to receive the liquid material therethrough (e.g., for storage of the liquid material) and/or to dispense the liquid material therethrough. In examples, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1A, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 can comprise a cap 110 a that is configured to seal the port 110, such as for storage and/or transportation. Generally, the cap 110 a may seal the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging therethrough until it is desirable to dispense or other discharge the liquid material (e.g., via the port 110). In examples, the cap 110 a may be threaded or otherwise releasably connected to the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 such that liquid material disposed in the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is prevented from being discharged through the port 110. The threads of the cap 110 a may be external threads configured to engage internal threads defined by an interior surface of the port 110. Alternatively, the threads of the cap 110 a may be internal threads configured to engage external threads of the port 110.

In examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 can comprise a faceplate 110 b that defines the port 110. In some examples, the faceplate 110 b can be more rigid than the flexible wall 130. The faceplate 110 b may, in certain examples, be integrally molded to or formed with the flexible wall 130. The faceplate 110 b can optionally include a nosepiece 110 d extending from a first face of the faceplate 110 b in a direction that extends from the second end 108 toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The nosepiece 110 d can define the port 110. The faceplate 110 b can optionally include a flange 110 e extending from a second face of the faceplate 110 b in a direction that extends from the first end 106 toward the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The cap 110 a can be releasably attachable to the nosepiece 110 d with corresponding threads to releasably seal the port 110. The faceplate 110 b may be formed through injection molding around the flexible wall 130. A resin forming the faceplate 110 b may be injected in a molten state and melt an outer surface of the flexible wall 130. The resin may be the same or substantially the same composition as the outer surface of the flexible wall 130, and the outer surface of the flexible wall 130 and the flange 110 e may intermix at an interface. The faceplate 110 b and the outer layer of the flexible wall 130 may then solidify to form an integrated structure of essentially uniform composition having no distinct layers at the interface. The faceplate 110 b may be molded to the circumference of the flexible wall 130. It will be understood that, in alternative examples, the flexible wall 130 and faceplate 110 b can be affixed to one another in any other suitable manner, including manners that do not include injection molding.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may include a seal 140. The seal 140 may be defined at the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. Generally, the seal 140 may seal the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal 140. The seal 140 may be formed by any suitable technique as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, the seal 140 may be formed by applying heat or pressure or both, such as to the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, so as to effectively flatten and attach the flexible wall 130 to itself at the second end 108. Alternatively or in addition thereto, an adhesive (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive) may be utilized so as to effectively attach the flexible wall 130 to itself at the second end 108. The seal 140 may be of any suitable size and/or shape to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the seal 140 may have a cross-sectional dimension (e.g. a thickness) of from about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is illustrated in a collapsed or partially collapsed configuration, such as for storage and/or transportation. The flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be at least partially, such as fully, collapsed before the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is filled with the liquid material. In such situations, any gases entrapped within the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be discharged therefrom, as described in greater detail herein. The flexible bag dispensing container 100 may also be at least partially collapsed after the liquid material is dispensed or otherwise discharged from the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such situations, any gases entrapped within the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be discharged therefrom, as described in greater detail herein. When the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is in the collapsed or partially collapsed configuration, at least a portion of the flexible wall 130 may be received into the faceplate 110 b, such as in the flange 110 e of the faceplate 110 b as illustrated in FIG. 2 . In this way, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally have a smaller footprint when in the collapsed or partially collapsed configuration, which may be useful for more efficient storage, transportation, and/or disposal of the flexible bag dispensing container 100.

As will be described in greater detail herein, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may include one or more vents 150. Generally, the vent(s) 150 may be configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space 120 to discharge therethrough to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In certain examples, the vent(s) 150 may be configured to permit the entrapped gases to discharge therethrough without permitting the liquid material to discharge therethrough. In certain examples, the vent(s) 150 may be configured to be sealed closed after permitting the entrapped gases to discharge therethrough to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the vent(s) 150 may be sealed closed by any suitable technique, such as by applying heat or pressure or both, by crimping, and/or by applying ultrasonic vibration to sealingly close the vent(s) 150. In other examples, the vent(s) 150 may remain open after the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is at least partially filled with the liquid material. In such examples, the vent(s) 150 may be of a size and shape that permits gases to pass through the vents without permitting the liquid material to pass therethrough. The size and/or the shape of the vent(s) 150 may be determined based on a viscosity of the liquid material. For example, higher viscosity materials are generally thicker than lower viscosity materials and hence flow more slowly than lower viscosity materials. As a result, the vent(s) 150 may have a larger cross-sectional dimension for liquid materials having higher viscosities than for liquid materials having lower viscosities.

As desired, the vent(s) 150 may be open or closed after the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is at least partially filled with the liquid material, such as depending on the chemistry and/or rheology of the liquid material. Some liquid materials may effectively self-seal when exposed to air and/or some liquid materials may have a viscosity that is so high that such liquid materials are incapable of discharging through the vent(s) 150 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The vent(s) 150 may generally be formed by any suitable technique. By way of non-limiting example, when one or more of the vents 150 is defined by and/or in the seal 140, such vent(s) 150 may be formed by selectively preventing the application of heat and/or pressure in one or more discrete areas of the seal 140, thereby defining the one or more vents 150.

In certain examples of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 in which multiple vents 150 are provided, each of the multiple vents 150 may be similarly structured, such as is illustrated and will be described with respect to FIGS. 3A-4B and FIGS. 8A-9B. However, it is to be understood that in examples of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 in which multiple vents 150 are provided, the vents 150 need not be structurally similar to one another. For example, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may, in certain examples, include multiple vents 150, any one or more of which may be structured as illustrated and described herein, including combinations thereof

The vent(s) 150 may be of any suitable size, shape, and/or number to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may include one, two, three, or four or more vents 150. By way of further non-limiting example, the vent(s) 150 may have a length of about 9 mm, as measured from an inlet 156 to an outlet 158 of the vent(s) 150. By way of further non-limiting example, the vent(s) 150 may have a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of from about 1 mm to about 2.5 mm. By way of further non-limiting example, the vent(s) 150 may have a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a height) of about 0.13 mm.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to one example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes three vents 150 a, 150 b, and 150 c. In this example, the vents 150 a-150 c extend through the seal 140 and are defined by (i.e., formed in) the seal 140, although other examples are not so limited. For the sake of clarity and brevity, in this example, only the particulars of vent 150 a are labeled and described, though it is to be understood that vents 150 b, 150 c may have a similar structure and/or function. Vent 150 a is defined by an inner surface 152. Vent 150 a also includes an inlet 156 at the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. Vent 150 a further includes an outlet 158 at the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a is tapered as vent 150 a extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a is tapered as vent 150 a extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a is tapered outwardly, such that the inlet 156 of vent 150 a has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150 a.

While vent 150 a illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B is defined by an inner surface 152 that tapers outwardly, it is to be understood that the vent(s) 150 of the flexible bag dispensing containers 100 described herein may be defined by inner surface(s) 152 that taper inwardly (i.e., such that the inlet 156 has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the outlet 158), that taper outwardly (i.e., such that the inlet 156 has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the outlet 158), or that are not tapered (i.e., such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension substantially equal to that of the outlet 158). The extent to which the inner surface(s) 152 taper (including whether such inner surface(s) 152 tapers at all) may be selected to suit a particular application. For example, it has been found that an outwardly-tapering inner surface 152 (i.e., such that the inlet 156 has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the outlet 158) may assist in configuring the vent 150 to permit entrapped gases to discharge therethrough without permitting liquid material to discharge therethrough. Put another way, the tapering and/or the shape of the vent(s) 150 may be selected so as to inhibit the liquid material from being discharged through the vent(s). By way of non-limiting example, the vents 150 a, 150 b, and 150 c in this example may be tapered outwardly such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 2.5 mm, although other examples are not so limited. In certain non-depicted examples, the inner surface 152 of the vent 150 may at least partially define a non-linear passageway, such as a serpentine passageway, between the inlet 156 and outlet 158 of the vent 150.

In certain examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the seal 140 may include a first corner 142 at a first side 102 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The seal 140 may further include a second corner 144 at a second side 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The second side 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be spaced from the first side 102 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, such that the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 are spaced from one another. Further yet, the seal 140 may include a midpoint 141. The midpoint 141 of the seal 140 is generally positioned midway between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140. In examples, the vent(s) 150 may be positioned between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, each of vents 150 a-150 c are positioned between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140. In this example, vent 150 a is positioned closer to the second corner 144 of the seal 140 than the midpoint 141, vent 150 b is positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 (e.g., at the midpoint 141 of the seal 140), and vent 150 c is positioned closer to the first corner 142 of the seal 140 than the midpoint 141.

The seal 140 may include an inner edge 148 at the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the inner edge 148 of the seal 140 may be substantially linear as the inner edge 148 extends toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the inner edge 148 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In this example, the inlet 156 of the vent 150 may be defined in the inner edge 148 of the seal 140, although other examples are not so limited.

Similarly, the seal 140 may include an outer edge 146 at the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be substantially linear as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the seal 140 may be in the form of a flat seal. In this example, the outlet 158 of the vent 150 may be defined in the outer edge 146 of the seal 140, although other examples are not so limited. As such, in this example, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be shaped the same as or generally complementary to the inner edge 148 of the seal 140, although other examples are not so limited.

In certain examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100, such as the seal 140, may include a side seal 160. In some examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 can include first and second side seals 160 that are spaced from one another. Each side seal 160 may extend along a direction that extends from the second end 108 toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. For example, each side seal 160 can extend from the inner edge 148 and/or the outer edge 146 toward the first end 106. In certain non-depicted examples, one or more vents 150 may be defined by and/or in the side seal 160. The vent(s) 150 may extend through one or both of the side seals 160. As described with respect to the seal 140, each side seal 160 may be formed by any suitable technique as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, each side seal 160 may be formed by applying heat or pressure or both, such as along the first side 102 and/or the second side 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 so as to effectively flatten and attach the flexible wall 130 to itself therealong. Alternatively or in addition thereto, an adhesive (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive) may be utilized so as to effectively attach the flexible wall 130 to itself therealong.

In certain examples, the one or more vents(s) 150 may define a centerline as the vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. For example, such as is illustrated in FIG. 3B, the first vent 150 a may include a first centerline 151 a, the second vent 150 b may include a second centerline 151 b, and the third vent 150 c may include a third centerline 151 c. In examples, the first centerline 151 a may be substantially parallel to the second centerline 151 b and/or the third centerline 151 c. Providing one or more vent(s) 150 having centerlines that are substantially parallel to one another has been found to resolve significant manufacturing challenges in certain applications. As will be understood with reference to FIG. 3B, when a plurality of vents 150 are provided, each of the vents 150 may taper as the vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container and may also define a centerline that is substantially parallel to a centerline of one or more of the other tapered or non-tapered vents, although other examples are not so limited.

Turning now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to one example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes two vents 150 a and 150 b is shown. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, except as described below.

For the sake of clarity and brevity, in this example, only the particulars of vent 150 a are labeled and described, though it is to be understood that vent 150 b may have a similar structure and/or function. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a is tapered as vent 150 a extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a is tapered as vent 150 a extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a is initially tapered inwardly proximate the inlet 156 thereof and then tapers outwardly. In this example, the inlet 156 of vent 150 a has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150 a, and the vent 150 a has a cross-sectional dimension between the inlet 156 and outlet 158 thereof that is less than each of the cross-sectional dimension of the inlet 156 and the cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158.

In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, at least a portion of the inner edge 148 may be tapered so as to direct gases towards the vent(s) 150. For example, a portion of and/or the inner edge 148 of the seal 140 may taper away from the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the inner edge 148 extends toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the inner edge 148 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. It has been found that such a structure for the inner edge 148 may assist in urging gases entrapped in the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or away from the midpoint 141 of the seal, namely as the interior space 120 is filled with the liquid material. As such, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, vent 150 a is positioned closer to the second corner 144 of the seal 140 than the midpoint 141, and vent 150 b is positioned closer to the first corner 142 of the seal 140 than the midpoint 141. In this example, no vent is provided substantially centrally between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 (i.e., at the midpoint 141 of the seal 140) because the entrapped gases are urged toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 as previously described, though one or more such vents could be provided as desired. In an alternative example, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may include a vent 150 positioned at the first corner 142 of the seal 140, and the inner edge 148 (or a portion thereof) may be tapered toward the vent 150 (e.g., toward the first corner 142 of the seal 140) such that the inner edge 148 assists in urging gases entrapped in the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 toward the vent 150 (e.g., toward the first corner 142 of the seal 140), namely as the interior space 120 is filled with the liquid material.

In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may taper away from the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. As such, in this example, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be shaped the same as or generally complementary to the inner edge 148 of the seal 140, although other examples are not so limited.

In alternative examples, the inner edge 148 (or a portion thereof) of the seal 140 may taper toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In examples, the inner edge 148 (or a portion thereof) may taper toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the inner edge 148 extends away from the vent(s) 150, although other examples are not so limited. In certain such examples, the inner edge 148 (or the portion thereof) may taper toward the first end 106 as the inner edge 148 (or the portion thereof) extends in opposite directions (e.g., toward the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100) away from the vent(s) 150. In the same or other examples to those just described, the inner edge 148 (or a portion thereof) may taper toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the inner edge 148 (or the portion thereof) extends toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the inner edge 148 (or the portion thereof) extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to one example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes a single vent 150. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, except as described below.

In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered outwardly, such that the inlet 156 of vent 150 has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150. By way of non-limiting example, the vent 150 in this example may be tapered outwardly such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 2.5 mm, although other examples are not so limited.

In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the inner edge 148 of the seal 140 may be tapered such that it is curved toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the inner edge 148 extends toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the inner edge 148 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the inner edge 148 of the seal 140 may be a radial inner edge. It has been found that such a structure for the inner edge 148 may assist in urging gases entrapped in the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 toward the midpoint 141 of the seal and/or away from the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140, namely as the interior space 120 is filled with the liquid material. As such, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, vent 150 is positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 (i.e., at the midpoint 141 of the seal 140). In this example, no vents are provided adjacent the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 because the entrapped gases are urged toward the midpoint 141 of the seal 140 as previously described, though one or more such vents could be provided as desired.

In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be curved toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be a radial outer edge. As such, in this example, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be shaped the same as or generally complementary to the inner edge 148 of the seal 140, although other examples are not so limited.

With reference now to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to one example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes a single vent 150 may be seen. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, except as described below.

In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered outwardly, such that the inlet 156 of vent 150 has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150. By way of non-limiting example, the vent 150 in this example may be tapered outwardly such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 2.5 mm, although other examples are not so limited.

In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the inner edge 148 of the seal 140 may be tapered toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the inner edge 148 extends toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the inner edge 148 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the inner edge 148 of the seal 140 may be a stepped or angled inner edge. It has been found that such a structure for the inner edge 148 may assist in urging gases entrapped in the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 toward the midpoint 141 of the seal and/or away from the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140, namely as the interior space 120 is filled with the liquid material. As such, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, vent 150 is positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 (i.e., at the midpoint 141 of the seal 140). In this example, no vents are provided adjacent the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 because the entrapped gases are urged toward the midpoint 141 of the seal 140 as previously described, though one or more such vents could be provided as desired.

In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be curved toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be a radial outer edge. As such, in this example, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be shaped differently from the inner edge 148 of the seal 140, although other examples are not so limited.

Turning now to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to one example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes a single vent 150 is shown. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, except as described below.

In this example, the seal 140 includes an extension 147. The extension 147 extends beyond the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 along a direction that extends from the interior space 120 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In this example, the vent 150 extends through the extension 147, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the length of the vent 150 may generally be maintained while reducing the width of the seal 140.

In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends in a direction from the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered as vent 150 extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 is tapered outwardly, such that the inlet 156 of vent 150 has a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150. By way of non-limiting example, the vent 150 in this example may be tapered outwardly such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 2.5 mm, although other examples are not so limited.

In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the inner edge 148 of the seal 140 may be curved or otherwise tapered toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the inner edge 148 extends toward the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the inner edge 148 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the inner edge 148 of the seal 140 may be a radial inner edge. It has been found that such a structure for the inner edge 148 may assist in urging gases entrapped in the interior space 120 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 toward the midpoint 141 of the seal and/or away from the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140, namely as the interior space 120 is filled with the liquid material. As such, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, vent 150 is positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 (i.e., at the midpoint 141 of the seal 140). In this example, no vents are provided adjacent the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 because the entrapped gases are urged toward the midpoint 141 of the seal 140 as previously described, though one or more such vents could be provided as desired.

In some examples, such as is illustrated in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be curved toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 and/or as the outer edge 146 extends between the first and second sides 102, 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be a radial outer edge. As such, in this example, the outer edge 146 of the seal 140 may be shaped the same as or generally complementary to the inner edge 148 of the seal 140, although other examples are not so limited.

Turning now to FIG. 8A, the flexible bag dispensing container according to one example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes three vents 150 a, 150 b, and 150 c is shown. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIG. 8A, except as described below.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8A, each of the three vents 150 a, 150 b, and 150 c may be straight vents. Put another way, the vents of this example may not taper as the vents extend in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container. In this example, one of the vents (e.g., vent 150 b) may be positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 (e.g., at the midpoint 141 of the seal 140). Another of the vents (e.g., vent 150 c) may be positioned at the first corner 142 of the seal. Further yet, another of the vents (e.g., vent 150 a) may be positioned at the second corner 144 of the seal 140. Providing a straight vent at the first and/or the second corner of the seal has been found to resolve significant manufacturing challenges in certain applications. As will be understood with reference to FIG. 8A, when a plurality of vents 150 are provided, a first vent (e.g., vent 150 c) of the vents may be positioned at the first corner 142 of the seal 140 and a second vent (e.g., vent 150 a) of the vents may be positioned at the second corner 144 of the seal 140, and the first and second vents (e.g., vents 150 c and 150 a) may be straight, non-tapered vents, although other examples are not so limited. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a may be straight (non-tapered) as vent 150 a extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a is generally straight (non-tapered), such that the inlet 156 of vent 150 a has a cross-sectional dimension that is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet 158 of vent 150 a. By way of non-limiting example, the vents 150 a, 150 b, and 150 c in this example may be straight (non-tapered) such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm, although other examples are not so limited.

With reference to FIG. 8B, the flexible bag dispensing container according to another example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes three vents 150 a, 150 b, and 150 c is shown. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIG. 8B, except as described below.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 8B, a central vent 150 b of the three vents may be a straight vent and the other two 150 a and 150 c of the vents may be tapered vents. That is, some of the vents of this example may taper as the vents extend in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, while others of the vents do not taper. Put another way, the inner surface 152 of vent 150 a may be tapered as vent 150 a extends from the inlet 156 to the outlet 158 thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surfaces of vents 150 a and 150 c are tapered outwardly, such that the inlets of vent 150 a and 150 c have a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the respective outlets of vents 150 a and 150 c. By way of non-limiting example, the vents 150 a and 150 c in this example may be tapered such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 6.0 mm, although other examples are not so limited. Another of the vents of this example may be a straight, non-tapered vent. Put another way, the inner surface of vent 150 b may be straight (non-tapered) as vent 150 b extends from the inlet to the outlet thereof, although other examples are not so limited. In this example, the inner surface of vent 150 b is generally straight (non-tapered), such that the inlet of vent 150 b has a cross-sectional dimension that is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet of vent 150 b. By way of non-limiting example, the vent 150 b in this example may be straight (non-tapered) such that the inlet 156 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm and the outlet 158 has a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a width) of about 1.0 mm, although other examples are not so limited.

In this example, one of the vents (e.g., vent 150 b) may be positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners 142, 144 of the seal 140 (e.g., at the midpoint 141 of the seal 140). Another of the vents (e.g., vent 150 c) may be positioned at the first corner 142 of the seal. Further yet, another of the vents (e.g., vent 150 a) may be positioned at the second corner 144 of the seal 140. The vents positioned at the corners of the seal (“corner vents) may be constructed such that one inner edge defining the corner vent extends in a direction substantially parallel to the inner edges defining the vent positioned at the midpoint of the seal (“central vent”), while an opposing inner edge further defining the corner vent extends at an angle that is non-parallel (e.g., oblique) tot eh inner edges defining the central vent. Providing such a corner vent at the first and/or the second corner of the seal has been found to resolve significant manufacturing challenges in certain applications by avoiding a negative taper for the corner vent(s). As will be understood with reference to FIG. 8B, when a plurality of vents 150 are provided, a first vent (e.g., vent 150 c) of the vents may be positioned at the first corner 142 of the seal 140 and a second vent (e.g., vent 150 a) of the vents may be positioned at the second corner 144 of the seal 140, and the first and second vents (e.g., vents 150 c and 150 a) may be tapered vents, although other examples are not so limited.

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B show the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to one example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes two vents 150 defined by malleable tubes 170 disposed in the seal 140. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, except as described below.

In this example, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes a pair of tubes 170 disposed in the seal 140. While the example of FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B is illustrated with a pair of tubes 170, it is to be understood that the flexible bag dispensing container 100 could be provided with any desired number of tubes 170. For example, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may include one, two, three, or four or more tubes 170. Each tube 170 generally defines a vent 150. In this example, each of the tubes 170 is a malleable tube that may be sealingly closed as desired. In such examples, the tube(s) 170 may be sealed closed by any suitable technique, such as by crimping to sealingly close the tube(s) 170, thereby sealingly closing the vent defined thereby. The tube(s) 170 may be of any suitable size, shape, and/or material to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the tube(s) 170 may be made of a malleable material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or brass. In alternative to or in addition to the use of one or malleable tubes, in some examples, a malleable material may be laminated to the flexible wall 130 about the vent 150 so as to provide a crimpable closure. By way of further non-limiting example, the tube(s) 170 may have a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., an internal diameter) of about 0.15 mm.

FIGS. 10A-C show the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to examples in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes a bleeder valve 180 that defines one or more vents 150. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIGS. 10A-C, except as described below.

By way of non-limiting example, the bleeder valve 180 may be a check valve or a duck bill valve. In some examples, the bleeder valve 180 may be configured to permit entrapped gases to be discharged therethrough while the liquid material is prevented from being discharged therethrough. In such examples, the bleeder valve 180 may be open during filling of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 with the liquid material and/or during dispensing of the liquid material from the flexible bag dispensing container 100 in such a way that entrapped gases may be discharged therethrough while the liquid material is prevented from being discharged therethrough. The bleeder valve 180 may form a seal with the flexible bag dispensing container 100 (e.g., the flexible wall 130 thereof) at the second end 108 thereof, such that entrapped gases may be discharged through the bleeder valve 130 in an area separate and distinct from the seal interface between the bleeder valve 130 and the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The bleeder valve 180 may, in certain examples, be configured such that when a predetermined pressure point is reached (e.g., due to the interior space 120 filling with the liquid material and urging entrapped gases toward the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100), at least a portion of the bleeder valve (e.g., a piston seal portion) may move into sealing engagement with another portion of the bleeder valve and/or the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to prevent entrapped gases from discharging therethrough. In examples, the bleeder valve 180 may be configured to at least partially facilitate dispensing of the liquid material from the flexible bag dispensing container 100, such as when the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is a rigid dispensing tube. As the liquid material is dispensed from the flexible bag dispensing container 100, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may collapse and/or return to the non-expanded configuration (e.g., such that the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 moves closer to the first end 106 thereof). In such examples, the bleeder valve 180 may likewise move toward the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the liquid material is dispensed therefrom. In certain examples, the bleeder valve 180 may be sized and/or shaped to facilitate evacuation (e.g., full evacuation) of the liquid material from the flexible bag dispensing container 100 as the bleeder valve approaches and/or reaches the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 (e.g., at the end of the dispensing operation).

FIG. 10C show the flexible bag dispensing container 100 including the bleeder valve 180 defining a vent 150 according to one example in which the flexible bag dispensing container 100 includes a sleeve 190, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. In FIG. 10C, the sleeve 190 is illustrated as partially transparent so as to enable the viewing of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 within the sleeve 190. The sleeve 190 may, in examples, at least partially surround the flexible bag dispensing container 100. For example, the sleeve 190 may at least partially surround the flexible wall 130 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In certain examples, such as is illustrated in the example of FIG. 10C, the sleeve 190 may surround and/or encompass the flexible wall 130 and the bleeder valve 180 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. The sleeve 190 may extend from a first end 196 to a second end 198 thereof, with the first and second ends 196, 198 being spaced from one another. In examples, such as is illustrated in the example of FIG. 10C, the first end 192 of the sleeve 190 may be positioned adjacent to the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 and the second end 198 of the sleeve 190 may be positioned adjacent the second end 108 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In certain examples, the first end 196 of the sleeve 190 may be attached to and/or formed integrally with the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 (e.g., the faceplate 110 b) thereof. In certain examples, the second end 198 of the sleeve 190 may define an opening 192 (e.g., the second end 198 of the sleeve 190 may be open), such as to permit gases discharged through the vent 150 (e.g., in the bleeder valve 180) to be discharged to the exterior 122 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100.

Turning now to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to one example in which the seal 140 is a gusseted seal is shown. In the example shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, the vent 150 may extend through the seal 140, which is in the form of a gusset seal. The foregoing disclosure with respect to the general structure and function of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may generally be equally applicable to the flexible bag dispensing container illustrated in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, except as described below.

In certain non-depicted examples, the gusseted seal 140 may permit the flexible bag dispensing container to be stood upright upon its second end 108. By way of non-limiting example, the seal 140 may be in the form of a lap seal, a flat seal, a gusseted seal (refer to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B), or a fin seal (e.g., a tack-welded fin seal). In certain examples, the seal 140 may be substantially linear or planar as the seal 140 extends from the first side 102 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 to the second side 104 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, although other examples are not so limited.

Finally, FIG. 12 illustrates the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 according to one example. In this example, the faceplate 110 b may be formed with a seal 110 c defining a small gap. The seal 110 c may be engaged during filling of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 (e.g., with the liquid material) to provide a strong seal between a filling mechanism and the faceplate 110 b. In examples, the seal 110 c may define a gap having a volume for entrapped gases of about 0.2 mL or less. In this way, undesirable entrapment of gases in the flexible bag dispensing container may be prevented and/or minimized.

As described herein, the liquid material may push or urge gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container 100 toward the vent(s) 150, such as while the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is being at least partially filled with the liquid material. In examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be sized and/or shaped to assist in pushing or urging entrapped gases toward one or more vents 150 as the flexible bag dispensing container 100 is filled with the liquid material. In examples, the vent(s) 150 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be positioned so as to maximize the efficiency of discharging gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container 100 therefrom. In certain examples, the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may be filled (e.g., via the port 110 thereof) with the liquid material from the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100, and the vent(s) 150 may be positioned above the first end 106 of the flexible bag dispensing container 100. In such examples, gases entrapped within the flexible bag dispensing container 100 may rise toward the vent(s) 150 and be discharged therethrough due to gravitational forces (e.g., because the liquid material is heavier than the entrapped gases).

It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples shown in the figures are for exemplary purposes only, and should not be construed limiting the disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates various examples. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above with the above-described examples may be employed alone or in combination with any of the other examples described above. It should further be appreciated that the various alternative examples described above with respect to one illustrated example can apply to all examples as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range. The terms “about” and “approximately” can be understood as describing a range that is within 15 percent of a specified value unless otherwise stated.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples necessarily include these features, elements and/or steps. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth.

While certain examples have been described, these examples have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and articles described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and articles described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the inventions disclosed herein.

It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods set forth herein are not necessarily required to be performed in the order described, and the order of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Likewise, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various examples of the present invention.

Although the elements in the following method claims are recited in a particular sequence with corresponding labeling, unless the claim recitations otherwise imply a particular sequence for implementing some or all of those elements, those elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular sequence.

It will be understood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the feature. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude the device from having or defining more than one of the feature, as long as the device has or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly, reference herein to “one of” a plurality of features does not foreclose the invention from including two or more, up to all, of the features. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one of a X and Y” does not foreclose the device from having both the X and Y. 

1. A flexible bag dispensing container, comprising: a first end that defines a port configured to transfer a liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; a second end that is spaced from the first end; a flexible wall that extends between the first end and the second end and that defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container; a seal that is defined at the second end and that seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal; and at least one vent configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, wherein an inner surface that defines the at least one vent is tapered as the at least one vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
 2. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent is configured to permit the entrapped gases to discharge therethrough without permitting the liquid material to discharge therethrough.
 3. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent is configured to be sealed closed after permitting the entrapped gases to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
 4. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent extends through the seal.
 5. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent defines an inlet at the interior space and an outlet at the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, the inlet of the at least one vent having a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet of the at least one vent such that the at least one vent is tapered outwardly as the at least one vent extends from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
 6. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 5, wherein: the seal includes a first corner at a first side of the flexible bag dispensing container and a second corner at a second side of the flexible bag dispensing container that is spaced from the first side thereof; and the at least one vent includes a first vent and a second vent, the first vent positioned at the first corner of the seal and the second vent positioned at the second corner of the seal.
 7. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the seal includes a first corner at a first side of the flexible bag dispensing container and a second corner at a second side of the flexible bag dispensing container that is spaced from the first side thereof, and wherein the at least one vent is positioned between the first and second corners.
 8. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 7, wherein an inner edge of the seal at the interior space tapers away from the first end of the flexible bag dispensing container as the inner edge extends toward the first and second corners of the seal.
 9. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 7, wherein an inner edge of the seal at the interior space tapers toward the first end of the flexible bag dispensing container as the inner edge extends toward the first and second corners of the seal.
 10. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 7, wherein the seal includes a midpoint that is positioned midway between the first and second corners of the seal, and the vent is positioned closer to the first corner of the seal than the midpoint.
 11. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 7, wherein: an inner edge of the seal at the interior space is curved toward the first end as the inner edge extends toward the first and second corners of the seal; and the at least one vent is positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners of the seal.
 12. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 7, wherein: an inner edge of the seal at the interior space is tapered toward the first end as the inner edge extends toward the first and second corners of the seal; and the at least one vent is positioned substantially centrally between the first and second corners of the seal.
 13. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 7, wherein the seal has an outer edge that extends between the first and second corners and an extension that extends beyond the outer edge along a direction that extends from the interior space to the exterior, and wherein the at least one vent extends through the extension.
 14. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the seal comprises a side seal extending along a direction that extends from the second end toward the first end, the at least one vent defined in the side seal. (Original) A flexible bag dispensing container comprising: a first end that defines a port configured to transfer a liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; a second end that is spaced from the first end; a flexible wall that extends between the first end and the second end and that defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container; a seal that is defined at the second end and that seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal; and a malleable tube disposed in the seal and defining at least one vent that is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
 16. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 15, wherein the tube is made of a material that is configured to be crimped so as to sealingly close the vent.
 17. A flexible bag dispensing container comprising: a first end that defines a port configured to transfer a liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; a second end that is spaced from the first end; a flexible wall that extends between the first end and the second end and that defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container; a seal that is defined at the second end and that seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal; and a bleeder valve that defines at least one vent that is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
 18. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 17, wherein the bleeder valve is configured such that when a predetermined pressure point is reached, at least a portion of the bleeder valve moves into sealing engagement with the second end of the flexible bag dispensing container to prevent the entrapped gases from discharging therethrough.
 19. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 17, further comprising a sleeve that at least partially surrounds the flexible wall of the flexible bag dispensing container.
 20. A flexible bag dispensing container, comprising: a first end that defines a port configured to transfer a liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; a second end that is spaced from the first end; a flexible wall that extends between the first end and the second end and that defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container; a seal that is defined at the second end and that seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal, the seal having an inner edge at the interior space; and at least one vent configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, wherein at least a portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end as the portion extends away from the at least one vent.
 21. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 20, wherein the portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers so as to be curved toward the first end as the inner edge extends away from the at least one vent.
 22. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 20, wherein the portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers so as to be angled toward the first end as the inner edge extends away from the at least one vent.
 23. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 20, wherein the at least one vent is positioned substantially centrally at a midpoint of the seal.
 24. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 20, wherein the portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end as the portion extends in opposite directions away from the at least one vent.
 25. A method of forming a flexible bag dispensing container having a first end, a second end spaced from the first end, and a flexible wall that extends between the first end and the second end and that defines an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container configured to hold a liquid material therein, the first end defining a port, the method comprising: sealing the second end of the flexible bag so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal, the seal having an inner edge at the interior space; and forming at least one vent that is configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge through the at least one vent to an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, wherein the forming step includes at least one of the following substeps: (a) forming the at least one vent such that an inner surface that defines the at least one vent is tapered as the at least one vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; (b) disposing a malleable tube in the seal such that the malleable tube defines the at least one vent; (c) forming the at least one vent in the form of a bleeder valve; (d) forming the at least one vent as first and second vents, the first vent defining a first centerline as the first vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container and the second vent defining a second centerline as the second vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, the first and second centerlines being substantially parallel to one another; or (e) forming the seal such that at least a portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end as the portion extends away from the at least one vent.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the forming step includes sub step (a) and the at least one vent is defined in the seal.
 27. The method of claim 25, wherein the forming step includes substep (a) and the seal comprises a side seal extending along a direction that extends from the second end toward the first end, the at least one vent defined in the side seal.
 28. The method of claim 25, wherein the forming step includes substep (b) and further comprises crimping the malleable tube so as to sealingly close the vent after the entrapped gases are discharged therethrough.
 29. The method of claim 25, wherein the forming step includes substep (c) the method further comprising, when a predetermined pressure point is reached, moving at least a portion of the bleeder valve into sealing engagement with the second end of the flexible bag dispensing container to prevent the entrapped gases from discharging through an interface between the seal and the bleeder valve.
 30. The method of claim 25, wherein the forming step includes substep (d) and the portion of the inner edge of the seal tapers toward the first end as the portion extends in opposite directions away from the at least one vent.
 31. A flexible bag dispensing container, comprising: a first end that defines a port configured to transfer a liquid material between an interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container and an exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; a second end that is spaced from the first end; a flexible wall that extends between the first end and the second end and that defines the interior space of the flexible bag dispensing container; a seal that is defined at the second end and that seals the second end so as to prevent the liquid material from discharging through the seal; and first and second vents, each of the first and second vents configured to permit gases entrapped in the interior space to discharge therethrough to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, wherein the first vent defines a first centerline as the first vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container and the second vent defines a second centerline as the second vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, the first and second centerlines being substantially parallel to one another.
 32. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 31, wherein: an inner surface that defines the first vent is tapered as the first vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; and an inner surface that defines the second vent is tapered as the second vent extends in a direction from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
 33. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 31, wherein: the first vent defines an inlet at the interior space and an outlet at the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, the inlet of the first vent having a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet of the first vent such that the first vent is tapered outwardly as the first vent extends from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container; and the second vent defines an inlet at the interior space and an outlet at the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container, the inlet of the second vent having a cross-sectional dimension that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the outlet of the second vent such that the second vent is tapered outwardly as the second vent extends from the interior space to the exterior of the flexible bag dispensing container.
 34. The flexible bag dispensing container of claim 31, wherein: the seal includes a first corner at a first side of the flexible bag dispensing container and a second corner at a second side of the flexible bag dispensing container that is spaced from the first side thereof; the first vent is positioned at the first corner of the seal; and the second vent is positioned at the second corner of the seal. 